Speak Up

If you are aged 16 or 17 and homeless, you're entitled to access advocacy support from Speak Up.

Being homeless means having no fixed place to stay or no place to feel safe and secure.

Legally you are homeless if you are:

• sleeping rough on the streets
• staying temporarily with a friend or family or 'sofa surfing'
• living with your family in temporary accommodation
• living in a B&B or hostel
• squatting in a property
• being at risk of abuse or violence which has led to homelessness

Being aged 16 or 17 and facing the possibility of being homeless can be a very stressful and confusing time. You have many rights and entitlements as a homeless young person but it can be hard to understand this information and what your options are.

Advocates are workers who are separate from the social work and housing teams. Their role is to support to understand your rights, entitlements and options so you can make informed decisions.

Advocates can help you to:

• plan and prepare for meetings, and attend meetings with you or on your behalf
• work out what you want to say and how to say it
• be involved in decision-making and have your say
• understand information, reports and decisions
• make a complaint or challenge services if your rights and entitlements are not being upheld

To find out more about advocacy support see our introduction to advocacy page.

To request advocacy support for yourself, you can complete our online referral form.